Demonstrators clash with Belgian riot police during a march in Brussels on Sunday called by the right-wing Flemish party Vlaams Belang and a dozen of organizations against the U.N. Marrakech global compact on migration, signed last week by the Belgian prime minister. Brussels' mayor forbade the venue of this march but the state council ruled against that decision and the march was authorized. | JONAS ROOSENS / BELGA / VIA AFP-JIJI

Clashes erupt as Brussels anti-migration rally draws thousands

BRUSSELS – Police deployed teargas and water cannon after scuffles broke out Sunday as thousands of people answered a call by far-right groups to reject a U.N. migration pact.

Police said some 5,500 people rallied in Brussels’ European quarter housing a number of EU institutions. Some held aloft banners bearing slogans including “Our people first” and “We have had enough, close the borders.”

Police stepped in to disperse the crowd after projectiles and firecrackers were thrown, an AFP journalist on the scene reported. Some 90 people were detained, according to the Belga news agency.

Many marchers were supporters of the Vlaams Belang party, which opposes last week’s signing of the U.N. accord in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh.

The agreement is designed to frame an effective international approach to migration — a deeply divisive issue across Europe and beyond.

A counterdemonstration drew around 1,000 people to another Brussels district, according to police.

Belgian authorities initially banned both rallies fearing unrest but the country’s supreme administrative court the Council of State overturned the decision.

More than 150 states last Monday approved the pact, a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

But NGOs have voiced doubts about its implementation both on the ground and the high seas.

Pope Francis on Sunday voiced his support for the agreement and urged the international community to show “responsibility, solidarity and compassion” in dealing with migrants.

The pontiff stressed the pact was designed to secure “safe, ordered and regular migration.”

But its provisions are not legally binding and detractors warn it could might encourage uncontrolled people flows.

In Belgium the issue has become a political hot potato.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel was left leading a minority administration after the biggest party in his coalition — the Flemish nationalist N-VA, which held four ministries — quit over the accord.

Some marchers called for Michel to resign at Sunday’s rally and a number of opposition parties have called for a vote of confidence in the government.